The popularity of sparkling English wines is on the up, with demand predicted to outstrip supply six times over in the run-up to Christmas. Text

The popularity of sparkling English wines is on the up, with demand predicted to outstrip supply six times over in the run-up to Christmas.

Marketing association English Wine Producers told the Metro newspaper that the reputation of English wines is soaring both at home and abroad, with China, Japan, Scandinavia and the US showing particular interest.

According to the association, by 2015 3.7million bottles of domestic sparkling wine will be sold, accounting for two-thirds of all English sales; up from less than half now.

Retail analyst Mintel says Britons have bought twice as much sparkling wine as champagne for the past two years.

Is the future bright for English sparkling wines? Have your say in our comments area.

Sherry is popular this week, with both Anthony Rose and Tim Atkin singing its praises. Meanwhile Victoria Moore reveals why an "experts' choice" in the supermarket might not always be what it seems and Jancis Robinson develops a passion for Bordeaux's 2005 vintage.

The FTMore than 4,000 pubs will go out of business in the next two years as beer sales fall and higher bills crush profits, according to insolvency specialists at PwC. Sixty-four pub businesses went bust in the third quarter - more than double the number in the same period last year and nearly triple the number in 2006. A combination of factors, including the smoking ban and the aggressive marketing of alcohol by supermarkets, had helped encourage people to drink in their homes rather than pubs and bars.

The MirrorA company which makes home booze deliveries was yesterday slammed for advertising itself as an "emergency service" and using an ambulance logo. Alcohol in Emergency's leaflets proclaim: "A in E ... your quick link to drink." But health groups and MPs called it "ill-judged" marketing by the Southampton firm that delivers all night until 6am.

Almost 42,000 pupils have been sent home for booze or drug offences in the past four years. A total of 1,930 primary and secondary school youngsters were expelled. And a further 39,890 were suspended, figures from the Department for Children Schools and Families show. Separate data from the Home Office reveals 521,000 under-18s have been able to buy alcohol in bars. Almost half of those who drank regularly admitted doing crime.

The TimesA 'silent epidemic' of dementia could await today's binge drinkers, psychiatrists have warned. Heavy drinkers of all ages are at risk of developing debilitating conditions, including alzheimers, in later life, according to a new a study. Its authors are now calling for cigarette-style warning labels on wine bottles to stave off a mental health time bomb.

Beer sales in pubs may be in steep decline, but real ale, once seen as the preserve of the sandal-wearing brigade, is on the up. According to the Society of Independent Brewers (Siba), sales of locally produced beers bucked the trend with a rise of 8 per cent in the first half of the year. The figures are in stark contrast with the wider beer market, which suffered a 7.2 per cent fall in sales in the three months to the end of September.

BBC OnlinePub-goers in Aberdeen are facing a drugs test before entering bars as part of a crackdown by Grampian Police. Officers in the force will be the first in Scotland to use an Itemiser - a device which can detect traces of drugs from hand swabs in a matter of seconds. The test is voluntary, but customers will be refused entry if they do not take part. They could be searched and even arrested if traces are found.

Government statistics show that the "predicted explosion" in 24-hour drinking venues has failed to materialise. Text

Government statistics show that the "predicted explosion" in 24-hour drinking venues has failed to materialise.

Only a small number of pubs and bars; around 800, have applied for extended licenses in the past year - an increase of around 14% on the previous year, according to figures from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.

In total, 6,300 premises can trade all night, the bulk of which are supermarkets and hotels. Hotel bars account for 61% of the total, supermarkets 20%, whilst pubs, bars and nightclubs account for only 10%. Nine per cent of those that can trade all night are listed as "other premises".

The 24-licensing laws came into force in November 2005. At the time, it was feared the laws would fuel a binge drink culture and put additional strain on police resources.

Licensing Minister, Gerry Sutcliffe, said: "The vast majority of people who drink alcohol do so responsibly, and I believe they are mature enough to do so at a time of their own choosing.

"The small rise in the number of 24-hour licences shows that people are taking advantage of the flexibility on offer, although it is worth noting that most of these licences are held by hotels which have always been able to serve their customers 24 hours a day.

"So again the predicted explosion in 24-hour drinking has failed to materialise.

"What we have seen though is a significant increase in the use of police powers to tackle problem premises. I've said that I want to see these powers being used more widely, and today's statistics show that is beginning to happen."

The statistics also show that in the past year, 160 premises had their licenses revoked, 170 had theirs suspended, 160 premises were made to change their opening hours and 620 premises had other conditions placed on their licences.

Does the lack in the number of licensees signing up for 24-hour licenses surprise you? Have your say in our comment area.